Key Points

Clarity is a measure of the number and size of the tiny imperfections that occur in almost all diamonds.

Many of these imperfections are microscopic, and do not affect a diamond's beauty in any discernible way.

Much is made of a diamond's clarity, but of the Four Cs, it is the easiest to understand, and, according to many experts, generally has the least impact on a diamond's appearance. Clarity simply refers to the tiny, natural imperfections that occur in all but the finest diamonds. Gemmologists refer to these imperfections by a variety of technical names, including blemishes and inclusions, among others. Diamonds with the least and smallest imperfections receive the highest clarity grades. Because these imperfections tend to be microscopic, they do not generally affect a diamond's beauty in any discernible way.

Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see imperfections under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.

VS1, VS2

Very Slightly Included: Imperfections are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.

SI1, SI2

Slightly Included: Imperfections are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. A good diamond value.

I1

Included: Blue Nile offers a limited selection of jewellery with diamonds of I1 grade clarity. This grade of diamonds will have minor inclusions that may be visible to the unaided eye.

I2,I3

Blue Nile does not carry diamonds of I2 or I3 grade clarity

What Clarity Grade Is Right For Me?

Select an "eye-clean" diamond - one that has no imperfections visible to the unaided-eye through the crown. An excellent value, diamonds of this clarity are much less expensive than flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) diamonds, which are extremely rare and command higher prices.

Frequently, imperfections in diamonds graded slightly included (SI) are not visible to the unaided eye, making them an excellent value. If you're considering a diamond with an SI clarity grade, call to speak to a diamond and jewellery consultant who will review the diamond to ensure the imperfections are not visible to the unaided eye.

Now that you understand clarity, learn about a diamond's carat weight.

To learn even more about clarity, please visit the tips & hints section.

What are others buying?

The chart below reveals what types of diamonds other Blue Nile customers are selecting. Modify the cut, carat and price, and the chart will display what others are purchasing according to the various colour and clarity grades. By clicking on the percentages, our Diamond Search will generate a list of diamonds that correspond to those criteria.

Have a question?

Contact us by phone at 00800 2583 6453 from Portugal, 0800 206 1160 from the United Kingdom, or 00353 1 899 1351 for all other EU countries or email at serviceuk@bluenile.co.uk. In addition, Live Chat is available during most business hours.